[tyrrian]

monolithic technology is the way to go... depending on how resource-rich my starting system/sector is, i usually try to gain the monoliths as early as i can. by colonizing a few planets that have 100%+ to boost production in each of the three resources, i can usually afford to begin converting my homeworld or richer planets to monolith facilities in very little time. of course, building orbital spaceyards is key to maintaining an adequate level of defense during the industrial buildup.

once the changeover of ONE resource-rich breathable planet is complete, i usually have enough resource-income to pump up defenses massively while continuing to build monoliths on any decent planet.

a key here is to only build monoliths on planets where you will earn a decent return in at least two of the three resources. i would recommend building them only on planets with 100% or more in at least two of the three resources. (if your sector is resource-poor, ofc you can work with lower numbers like 90-80%.)

because monolith facilities are so expensive, building them on planets with weak resource ratings is usually impractical, as their income will not be sufficient to recover the building costs (in SEIV both the time and the resources not able to be allocated to other projects/maintenance can be critical in early turns.)